About Salem
The Willamette Valley: A Great Place To Live!
LOCATION
The City of Salem, which is the capitol of Oregon, is located about midway between the cities of Portland and Eugene. It is strategically located on Interstate 5, the main north-south corridor between Oregon and California. It is located within a 100-mile lowland between the Cascade Mountains and the Lower Coast Range.
The Salem area's pioneering spirit and eye for landscape and architecture have created an intriguing Capital City and extremely diverse region. What helps make the Salem area so very special are the historic attractions, festive events, recreational opportunities and agricultural abundance throughout the region.
TRANSPORTATION
Salem is positioned directly on interstate I-5, which gives it direct access south to California and north to Portland, Washington state, and into Vancouver, Canada.
The main airport in Salem is McNery Field, which is located 2 miles southeast of Salem.
There is a bus shuttle from McNery Field to Portland international Airport that runs 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Salem is also served by train, Amtrak Cascades service, Cherriots Bus service, by smaller connecting lines and ferries across the Willamette River.
BRIEF HISTORY
The Kalapuyas, an American Indian tribe, were the first residents of what is now called Salem. The city of Salem is one of Oregon's oldest communities.
The Indian name for the region was Chemeketa and meant "meeting or resting place." In 1842 Methodist missionaries arrived and established the Oregon Institute, which was an institute of higher learning to serve the local people.
This was the first real settlement in Salem. When the mission was dissolved in 1844 it was decided to construct a town in its place.
We're not entirely sure but either David Lesilie, one of the trustees who came to Oregon from Salem Massachusetts, or W.H. Willison, who filed the plans in 1850 to 1851 for what is now the main part of the city, came up with the name Salem, which is the English form of the Hebrew word "Shalom," meaning peace.
The determination of the actual location of the capitol of Oregon was a spirited battle that went on for almost 15 years.
By a decree in 1851 the provisional government was moved from Oregon City to Salem; in the year 1855 it was moved to Corvallis, only to be moved back to Salem in the same year.
The Capitol Building was destroyed in a fire and it was suspected that it had something to do with this controversy.
POPULATION
Salem Population as of the year 2000 census was 136,924.
Median resident age: 33.6 years
Median household income: $38,881
Median house value: $131,100
SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS
Just off of I-5 at exit 256 is the Oregon State Fairgrounds. Besides the state fair, usually held at the end of August, there are many other attractions that take place during the year.
There are events such as horse shows and competitions, rodeos, American Kennel Club Dog Shows, collectors' shows, and many other trade and specialized events.
Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall, there is more to see and do in and around Salem. Whether you are visiting for pleasure or business, the attraction offerings will enhance your experience.
Historical museums, fragrant gardens, unique children's activities, wineries that mirror the image of France and many more adventures await you.
HEALTHCARE
Salem Hospital is one of the largest acute care hospitals in the state of Oregon. As a private employer, it employs more people than any other private industry.
It also maintains seven different outpatient facilities, which span the spectrum of healthcare needs. The main principle motivating this hospital is that the patient comes first.
THE SALEM-KEIZER AREA IS JUST MINUTES FROM MANY OF OREGON'S FINEST ATTRACTIONS
A short drive to the north is Portland, Oregon's largest metropolitan area. Portland offers an award winning zoo, city rose gardens, wonderful shopping, and a breathtaking waterfront along the Willamette River.
Visit the finest children's museum and discovery village in the Pacific Northwest, which is housed in two historic homes in Riverfront Park.
A few minutes to the west is Lincoln City and the beautiful Oregon coastline. At the coast, you can enjoy the beaches, sand dunes, waterfront restaurants and deep sea fishing.
A short drive down the coast and you can visit Newport and the Oregon Coast aquarium.
In winter, you can take the scenic drive to Mt. Hood for unbeatable downhill or cross country skiing. Ski areas include Timberline and Mt. Hood meadows.
Wherever your meanderings take you, we know that you will be greeted with that same warmth and congenial spirit.
Check out these links for more information:
Salem Oregon Community Guide- Salem Online
Salem Weather & Road Conditions
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